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  • Octupus fishing
  • Snorkeling
  • Exploring the beach
Punalu'u Beach Park, also known as "Black Sand Beach" is located on the windward coast of Oahu. The beach is very picturesque with black sand made of basalt and a background of leaning ... morecoconut palms. The black sand was created from lava flowing into the ocean and explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools.

Near shore, the beach as a reef and is rocky which makes for poor swimming conditions. The beach has a large amount of fresh water that flows into it. At the far end of the beach can be seen a pond with exotic ducks as well as a natural fresh water wading pool. The fresh water is very cool and almost look like gasoline mixed with water. Legend has it that the ancient Hawaiians, in times of drought, would dive underwater with a jug to get fresh water. The name of the beach "Punalu'u" means in Hawaiian "spring diver".

Punalu'u Beach Park is popular for snorkeling when the water is calm and for fishing, particularly for the fishing of octopus. In some areas around the beach, tide pools can be seen with fish and other marine life trapped in it. The beach is also a favorite location for green turtles who come to bask in the sun or to enjoy the seaweed.

The park has restrooms and showers, but no lifeguards. At the far end is a nice grassy area with picnic tables. Locals often would have picnics at the location. There are quite a few tourists that come to the beach. You should be reminded that the turtles are protected, and there is a sign saying not to pick up the turtles for pictures.
Type:
Beach
Features:
Bathroom, Parking, Picnic tables, Showers
Interesting:
Overall:
  • Captain Cook Monument is located here
  • Excellent snorkeling and diving location
  • Marine Life Conservation District
Kealakekua Bay is located on the Big Island and only a few other spots have as much historical meaning as Kealakekua Bay. This is also where Captain James Cook docked during his second ... morevoyage to the Hawaiian Islands in January 1779. He was tragically killed a month later in a conflict between his crew and the Hawaiians. In 1878, a white obelisk was erected in his honor.
The real beauty are the coral reefs that slope from the shore to the water. The bay has also been declared a Marine Life Conservation District in 1969. It is home to many different fish varieties and other sea creatures, many of which swarm close to shore. Kealakekua Bay is definitely a favorite among snorkelers and scuba divers.
On the northeastern side of the bay you can enjoy perfect snorkeling conditions on good days. The water here is about 5 feet deep and is home to many corals and a variety of marine animals. The best diving spot is near the Cook Monument where depths range from 5 to 120 feet. The diversity of coral and fish is exceptional, and the fish are quite tame.
Type:
Beach
Features:
Bathroom, Showers
  • Watching the falls from the beach
  • The beautiful lush surrouding
  • The mythological home of Hina
Rainbow falls is located in Hilo, Hawaii. The waterfall is about 80 ft tall and 100 ft in diameter. It had been named as such because during the morning when the weather is clear and ... moresunny, rainbows can be seen in the mist thrown up by the waterfall. Rainbow fall get its water from the Wailuku River, which is the longest river in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is 26 km long. The river was impossible to navigate during heavy rains until three large bridges were built by locals. The bridges provide excellent views of the surrounding. Rainbow falls is surrounded by lush, dense tropical foliage.

In Hawaiian language the name Waianuenue meaning "rainbow waters". The falls flows over a natural lava cave which is known to be the mythological home of Hina, an ancient Hawaiian goddess. Getting into the cave is possible but the trail is rough and slippery. It is definitely worth exploring the cave. The best time is during the morning where there is enough sunlight getting into the cave. There are very nice rock formations. Just beyond the Rainbow falls keep watch for a short, unpaved path that leads from the parking lot to the top of the waterfall.

A very beautiful area surrounded by mango trees. It is very popular even though it is secluded, there are many visitors that come on the location on a regular basis.
Type:
Scenic Lookout, Waterfall
Features:
Parking
  • 19 mile road
  • Volcano viewing
  • Hiking trail overlooking lava
If you have a fascination with volcanoes, you'll love visitng the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you're like most people, you might visit the scenic lookouts along Crater Rim drive. ... moreHowever, you may want to take a look at a second route through the scenic Hawaii countryside. The Chain of Craters Road begins at Crater Rim Drive, at 4,000 feet high, and curves down the mountain for nineteen miles. Forty-five minutes later you can process everything you just saw at the ocean as the waves crash against the beach.

The road is paved and two lanes, so any car can make the trek. Along the route, you will pass by many craters (hence the name Chain of Craters Road). You may want to stop around mile marker sixteen, where you can park and walk the one and a half mile round trip hike that looks over old lava flow and thousands of petroglyphs (Hawaiian rock carvings). When you get to the end of the road, you'll know it: Chain of Craters Road dead ends where lava flowed over the road and hardened.

If you want to feel the ancient past and ruggedness of Hawaii, you will want to take this trip!
Type:
Attraction, Volcano, Scenic Road